Rising since 1990, #3,314 for boys today.
Popularity of Hansen since 1917
Babies named Hansen per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2016, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Hansen's real moment was 2025.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 7 |
| 1960s | 8 |
| 1970s | 24 |
| 1980s | 99 |
| 1990s | 148 |
| 2000s | 193 |
| 2010s | 219 |
| 2020s | 183 |
Meaning & origin
Hansen, originally a Scandinavian surname meaning 'son of Hans,' has been in use as a given name in the United States since at least 1917, when it was first recorded. In 2025 it ranked 3,314, with roughly 1 in 48,802 newborn boys receiving the name. The name reached its peak popularity in 2025, continuing a slow upward trend that began around 1990 after decades of sporadic use. Geographically, Hansen sees its strongest usage in California, reflecting the state's diverse Scandinavian heritage. While still uncommon, Hansen appeals to families seeking a surname-style first name with clear Nordic roots. Its masculine sound and straightforward meaning keep it firmly in the category of understated, modern patronymics.
Hansen is a Danish and Norwegian patronymic surname meaning 'son of Hans,' a short form of Johannes (the Latin form of John). In Scandinavian tradition, -sen indicates 'son,' making Hansen equivalent to Johnson in English. While primarily a surname, it has seen occasional use as a given name, particularly in the United States among families of Scandinavian heritage.
Where Hansen is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hans, Hanny
Variants: Hansson
Sibling names for Hansen
Names that share Hansen's style, for a brother or sister.
